Performance Program
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
On this page:
What kinds of performance ensembles and programs does the Department of Music sponsor?
Can I participate in the Performance Program if I am not a music major?
Can I earn a degree in performance?
Who is your wind/string/brass/vocal professor and how do I contact them?
How will I balance my academic commitments with my performance interests?
Are there fees for participation in the Performance Program?
I would like to work in the Department of Music. Are there jobs available?
What kinds of concerts and other events does the Department sponsor?
Do you have a mailing list?
Can I hire a student group for my wedding or other event?
For more Frequently Asked Questions and answers, see Auditions, Instruction, Facilities, and the Prospective Students pages.
What kinds of performance ensembles and programs does the Department of Music sponsor?
The Department's twelve performance ensembles and programs cover the gamut of historical periods and ensemble types, including instrumental, vocal, and world music. Select an ensemble below to read a description and view concert repertoire.
Can I participate in the Performance Program if I am not a music major?
Yes. Music at the U of C is inclusive rather than exclusive. Undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, faculty and staff members, spouses, alumni, and community musicians are welcome to audition for all aspects of the Performance Program. In the case of sections or ensemble with membership limitations, preference is always given to qualified U of C students.
Can I earn a degree in performance?
No. The Performance Program is an extra-curricular program where students are able to develop their skills and maintain their interests in music. The Department of Music only confers a Bachelor of Arts in Music through the College, and does not offer a Bachelor of Music in performance. To find out more about the academic program in music, click here.
Who is your wind/string/brass/vocal professor and how do I contact them?
As the Department of Music does not offer academic instruction in applied music, we do not have faculty members who specialize in the performance of a particular instrument. However, the Artists-in-Residence and Performance Program staff members do offer both private instruction and chamber music coachings. In addition, directors can assist students in finding instructors for all instruments and voice types, whether on campus, in Hyde Park, or downtown Chicago.
How will I balance my academic commitments with my performance interests?
Rehearsals and concerts are carefully planned so as not to conflict with classes. On average, musicians spend 2-3 hours per week in rehearsals, plus varying amounts of time in personal practicing, lessons, and sectional rehearsals. Each ensemble presents 1-2 concerts per ten-week quarter, which occur generally in the evenings and on weekends.
Will I be able to earn academic credit for performing in one of the Department of Music ensembles?
No. The Performance Program is extra-curricular, not co-curricular. Credit is not given, nor are grades assigned. However, one year of ensemble participation is required for undergraduate music majors. For more information about courses for credit offered by the Department of Music (such as Introduction to Western Art Music or Harmony and Voice Leading), click here.
Are there fees for participation in the Performance Program?
No. All aspects of the Performance Program are free of charge, with the exception of private lessons and some instrument rental fees.
I would like to work in the Department of Music. Are there jobs available?
Yes. The Department of Music has a number of part-time jobs available for qualified work-study students, both undergraduate and graduate. Jobs range from office work to set-up for various ensemble rehearsals and concerts. The Department also has work-study jobs for after-hours security monitoring in Goodspeed Hall. Pay rates are competitive with those of other campus jobs. A complete listing of available jobs will be posted in early September on the University’s Student Employment site. Please note that all applicants must be Work-Study eligible.
What kinds of concerts and other events does the Department sponsor?
The Department sponsors events that encompass a broad spectrum of repertoire and academic interests. In addition to concerts presented by the Performance Program’s twelve ensembles, there are weekly Noontime Concerts by soloists and small groups on Thursdays, frequent Friday afternoon Colloquium lectures by visiting scholars, the student-led EthNoise! Ethnomusicology Workshops , concerts by our Artists-in-Residence, and other professional concerts organized by the University of Chicago Presents. There are more than 100 events per year directly sponsored by the Department, and many more across campus. The Department's Quarterly Calendar is available here.
Do you have a mailing list?
Yes. You can sign up for weekly events announcements, printed concert notices, or both on our mailing list page.
Can I hire a student group for my wedding or other event?
There are numerous chamber groups and student singers who will perform outside events. Please contact our Performance Program Assistant, Melody Harter, with details of your event and she will put you in contact with a group or individual who may be able to meet your needs. Payment arrangements are made directly with the group you choose to hire, and are not brokered through the Department.
